Sights to visit around the EastSeven Berlin Hostel

Wasserturm – The unofficial symbol of Prenzlauer Berg, this 30m high tower was built in 1877 as the local water reservoir. Once used by the Nazis as a prison, today the round brick Wasserturm has been converted into trendy apartments.

TIP: Check for art exhibitions next to the tower, in the underground reservoir.

Kollwitzplatz – Käthe Kollwitz, the famous left-wing, anti-war artist, would no doubt take great pride that not only is there a square named after her (complete with bronze statue) but that its one that was once a meeting point for intellectuals and artists during Prenzlauer Bergs nasty East Germany days.

TIP: Don´t miss Kollwitzplatz`s famous market on saturdaysTIP: Enjoy amazing cakes and delicious coffee at the Anna Blume café on the corner of Sredzkistrasse and Kollwitzstrasse.TIP: Just round the corner is Rykestrasse Synagogue, Germany’s largest synagogue.

Helmholzplatz – According to local legend, Prenzlauer Berg has one of the highest birth rates in all of Germany. Helmholzplatz is just one of the places in the district where mummies and daddies come to push their new-borns around in expensive pushchairs and gorge on a little brunch.

TIP: Do you like chocolate and food? How about chocolatefood? Head to IntVelt chocolate restaurant.TIP: Visit the best affordable Japanese restaurant in East Berlin: SasayaTIP: Alternative and strictly limited Berlin fashion and graphics: Supalife Kiosk in Raumer Str.

Kastanienallee – Dubbed Casting Alley by the locals, this long strip of little cafes, indie fashion designers trading their wares and tasty restaurants is the ideal place to hang out and watch the surprisingly large number of beautiful faces walk by at all hours.

TIP: Kastanienallee is home to Berlins largest and oldest beer garden – the Prater.TIP: Recommended Berlin souvenir shop: Luxus International

Kulturbrauerei – This huge complex of night-time hangouts originally housed Berlins Schultheiss brewery for more than 150 years. By night the Culture Brewery turns into a popular meeting point for determined drinkers, eager to explore the buildings wealth of bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants, or just hang out in the huge courtyard.

TIP: The Kulturbrauerei is also a popular venue for famous live acts.

Zionskirchplatz – Life in a resistance group fighting either the Nazis or East German government was often a dangerous affair. Finding somewhere quiet and warm to hold your secret discussions therefore being a number one priority = PBergs 19th century Church of Zion. It is now surrounded by small cafes and restaurants.

TIP: Go to the Weinerei, where you can pay for a glass of wine what you think its worth.

Mauerpark – If you are over 20 and still like to play (particularly with beer bottles), then this is your playground. Its the best place in Berlin for relaxed outdoor boozing and there are hilltop swingsets which are a great spot for watching the sun sink lazily in the West.